ABSTRACT
Objective To study the relationship between the asthenia TCM syndromes in embryonic development stops and the level of zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium in serum, and provide thoughts for assisting reproduction and preventing miscarriage. Methods Totally 100 patients of embryonic development stops were selected randomly (6-10 weeks gestation) to be the investigated group, with other 100 cases of live fetus as the control group. The contents of trace elements in serum were detected with atomic absorption spectrometry. Results The levels of trace elements in embryonic development stops patients were generally lower than the control group. The serum iron in patients with spleen deficiency syndrome, and serum zinc and iron in patients with kidney deficiency syndrome were significant lower (P<0.05). Conclusion The contents of trace elements in serum have relationships with asthenia TCM syndromes in embryonic development stops. It should be paid attention to supplementing trace elements during the gestation period. For patients with deficiency of kidney and spleen, the supplement of zinc and iron should be given greater prominence.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a rapid staining method for facilitating initial identification of Legionella pneumophila in amoebal trophozoite. Methods Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Legionella pneumophila were co-cultured under laboratory condition. At consecutive time points during the culture, smears of the cultured products were made on glass slides for staining purposes. Different types of stainings including Gram′s staining, Gimenez staining, Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence were used to determine the best method for the identification of amoebal pathogens. Results Gimenez staining technique is simpler and yields better results as compared with the other three stainings. Gimenez stain gives the best color and contrast for amoeba and amoebal Legionella Amoeba trophozoites and/or cysts showed a distinct purplish blue with amoebal Legionella in red. Amoebal Legionella can be distinguished clearly at an earlier time of co-culture, providing a proper sensitivity. It takes only 10 minutes to finish the operation. The other techniques require the use of expensive reagents, are relatively time-consuming, and involve complex staining procedures. Conclusion Gimenez staining is of value for the initial identification of amoebal pathogens, and it is suitable for laboratory diagnosis.